#13 – Israel

I am currently sitting outside wearing shorts and writing this post aka I’m not in Kansas anymore. Around a month ago I moved to Israel. I know a) I should’ve told you sooner and b) it’s controversial but oh well. This is the fourth continent I’ve lived on and a brand new chapter. So far I love it. The weather is great, nice people, amazing food and I feel really comfortable. I try to steer clear of the politics and am merely enjoying what the country and culture have to offer.

To answer some obvious questions – 1) Yes there is a lot of security here e.g. to enter malls or train stations you have to go through metal detectors and get your bag searched but surprisingly you get used to it. You see lots of soldiers walking around with guns but it becomes less unnerving and more ‘the norm’ every day. 2) It isn’t just a desert. Yes there is a lot of desert haha but in Tel Aviv there are skyscrapers, everyone has a smart phone and the clubs are open pretty much all night. It’s a very advanced place similar to any booming city, but still has some of its’ more traditional roots with markets and camels. I’m clearly coming across as very eloquent today so I’ll stop and post more about Israel later.

In January I was in the UK visiting friends and then ventured across the pond to see some more friends/family. Whilst in NYC I saw the Yoko Ono show in Soho and it was very interesting. I built a contraption with the string all over the gallery space and ended up blocking the first exit door without realising. David Bowie sadly passed when I was there and so I got to
visit his apartment and feel the whole city mourn.

I plan on living here another month or two and then giving in, becoming a ‘responsible adult’ and settling down. Travel wise I’m currently figuring out a trip to Scandinavia. I’m trying to make it as epic as possible but price is a big factor (especially in those expensive countries) and also timings. I’m trying to make it overlap with Eurovision so I can cross off two bucket lists items so we’ll see how that goes. I also really want to take advantage of being in the Middle East but currently travel is pretty risky here. I’m not sure how accessible and safe it is to start venturing across borders but maybe a little trip to Jordan is likely? I guess we’ll find out together.

And I think that’s you all caught up. Expect some Israel posts over the next few weeks and I’ll try to get back to regularly posting but it’s so hard when the sun is constantly calling my name. Stay safe and speak soon.